GCSE Music Composing

Instructions for Completing GCSE Composing Coursework

In April, in the year of examination (Year 11), each student submits one final, free* composition (*meaning that the style and content may be determined by the student).
In Year 10, each student completes a number of draft compositions (normally one each term).
Each draft composition is in a different style, each using different pastiche* compositional techniques (*conventions developed and established by leading composers of their era or genre). The styles and techniques are set and taught by the teacher.
The draft compositions may include: 1. Theme and Variations, 2. Musical Theatre / Pop Song, 3. Jazz / Minimalism
In Year 11, each student is encouraged to select one draft composition to be developed into their final, free composition. (Students may select from drafts completed in class or from those composed in their free time).
The duration of each final composition must be at least 1 min 30 sec.
It is strongly advised that the duration of each final composition does not exceed 5 minutes. Quality not quantity counts: long compositions are often boring.

In April, in the year of examination (Year 11), each student submits one final composition written to a brief set by Edexcel.
On 1st September in the year of examination (Year 11), Edexcel sets four composition briefs.
Each brief is based on a different area of study: 1. Instrumental Music, 2. Vocal Music, 3. Music for Stage and Screen, 4. Fusions
Each student chooses one brief on which to compose.
Students are encouraged to use the compositional techniques they have learned in Year 10. Students may select one draft composition / ideas from one draft composition to be developed into their final composition to a brief.
The duration of each final composition must be at least 1 min 30 sec.
It is strongly advised that the duration of each final composition does not exceed 5 minutes.

The composition authentication sheet can be found here.
You must sign the Candidate's Declaration on Page 1
For Composition 1 (Free Composition) you must complete the TITLE, COMPOSITION LENGTH and OUTLINE OF COMPOSITION on Page 2.
For Composition 2 (Set Brief Composition) you must complete the TITLE, COMPOSITION LENGTH and CIRCLE THE CHOSEN BRIEF.
If, before the deadline, you wish to change information on the form you have submitted, you must print, complete and submit a new form.
The form should be submitted as an A3 booklet. (If this is not possible, the form may be submitted on A4 with a corner staple).
*A composition authentication sheet is required only for the final submission. Draft compositions must be correctly labelled and available to view.

Each file must be labelled as follows:

Each audio file must be labelled as follows: CANDIDATE NUMBER SURNAME, FIRSTNAME COMPOSITION 1/2 SCORE TITLE
E.g. 1234 Bloggs, Joe Composition 1 Score Variations on a Theme by Mozart
E.g. 1234 Bloggs, Joe Composition 2 The Wild Grass Will Whisper

For the purposes of marking, no other composition may be labelled 'Composition 1' or 'Composition 2' in your Noteflight account.
If your composition is incorrectly labelled, it will not be marked.
*Pdf files are required only for the final submission. Draft compositions must be correctly labelled and available to view.

These mp3s may be recorded live or generated by noteflight. If using noteflight, go to Menu > Score > Export > mp3 Audio.
Each audio file must be labelled as follows: CANDIDATE NUMBER SURNAME, FIRSTNAME COMPOSITION 1/2 AUDIO TITLE
E.g. 1234 Bloggs, Joe Composition 1 Audio Variations on a Theme by Mozart
E.g. 1234 Bloggs, Joe Composition 2 Audio The Wild Grass Will Whisper
Each audio file must be uploaded to the Composing Coursework folder found on the Year 11 Coursework webpage.
Protect your work from being deleted: Right-Click or Alt-Click > Advanced > Specific People Can Access > Remove pupil access.
*Audio files are required only for the final submission. Draft compositions must be correctly labelled and available to view.

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